engine BMW 323i SEDAN 2000 E46 Owner's Guide

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine compartment1 Brake fluid reservoir129
2 Engine oil dipstick125
3 Coolant expansion tank128
4 Engine oil filler neck125
5 Reservoir for the windshield and

headlamp washer system
*
124
6 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting157

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oilChecking the oil level 1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2 Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material.
4 Push the dipstick all the way into the
guide tube and pull it out again.
5 The oil level should be between the
two graduations on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.460de051
The space between the two marks on
the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.460de189
To add oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, never let the oil drop below
the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This also applies for the
manual transmission, automatic trans-
mission, differential and the power
steering system.<462de245

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Engine oil Specified engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil is ex-
tremely important for the function and
life of an engine. Based on extensive
testing, BMW has approved only cer-
tain types of engine oils.
Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil."
If you are unable to obtain "BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil," you may
use small volumes of other approved
synthetic oils for topping up between oil
changes. Use only oils with the specifi-
cation API SH or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific "BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil" or
other synthetic oils that have been
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer-
ica at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this web-
site: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this
information.
Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you drive your BMW.
BMW recommends the use of oils in
SAE classes SAE 0W-X or SAE 5W-X
("X" stands for a typical value such as
30, 40, or 50).
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.
530us050

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oil
Always comply with all environ-
mental protection guidelines and
regulations when disposing of used
oil.<
Recommendation: Have the oil
changed by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing.
For this reason, thoroughly wash any
areas of skin that come into contact
with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
to children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.<

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Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than fac-
tory-approved, nitrite and amino-free
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Your BMW center is familiar
with the official specifications.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store them in their original container
and in a location that is inaccessible to
children. Extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor contains ethylene
glycol, a flammable substance. For this
reason, do not spill antifreeze with cor-
rosion inhibitor on hot engine parts. It
could ignite and cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level when the engine
is cold (approx. 68 7 or 20 6):
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
The coolant level is correct when the
end of the red float is aligned with the
upper edge of the filler opening (refer
to the arrow in the illustration), or max.
0.8 in (2 cm) higher, that is up to the
second mark on the float (see also the
schematic diagram next to the filler
opening).460de053
Add coolant Wait until the engine cools before re-
moving the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant gauge
in the instrument cluster must be lo-
cated in the blue zone. If it is not, there
is a danger of scalding.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape. Then open.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached Ð do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the pre-
scribed all-season 50:50 mixture ratio
for year-round protection against inter-
nal corrosion. No other additives are
required.
Replace the coolant every four years.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Brake fluidIf the brake warning lamp comes on
and the parking brake has been re-
leased:
Check the brake fluid level and if nec-
essary, fill it back up to the top mark.
For adding brake fluid or for determin-
ing and correcting the cause of brake
fluid loss, consult your BMW center.
Your BMW center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss can result in extended
pedal travel. Comply with the informa-
tion provided on page 109.460de128
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to page 154
and to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) or War-
ranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion that is inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of brake fluid.<

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Vehicle Identification NumberIn the engine compartment, on the
right-hand strut dome (arrow). 460de055

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety Ð and as cost-effectively as
possible for you. Technical innovations
have made it possible to reduce main-
tenance costs significantly compared to
earlier models.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle. 460us112
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance in-
tervals. These are then indicated in the
Service Interval Display. While conven-
tional systems rely on distance traveled
alone to determine when service is due,
the BMW Maintenance System has for
years considered the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates, be-
cause miles can be traveled in many
different ways.
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System in-
cludes the Engine Oil Service and In-
spections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual use of the car
covers every kind of operating situation.
Minimal use drivers Ð those who drive
significantly less than 6,000 miles
(10,000 km) per year Ð should neverthe-
less have the oil changed at least every
two years, since engine oil ages regard-
less of use.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) /
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian models) Please refer to the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet (US models)
or Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models) for additional infor-
mation on maintenance intervals and
procedures.
As a precaution against rust, it might be
a good idea to have the body checked
for damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair.
Your BMW center is always informed on
the latest maintenance work and repair
techniques and equipped with the re-
quired special tools. In addition, check-
ing parts known from experience to be
subject to wear is a permanent part of
the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or War-
ranty and Service Guide Booklet (Cana-
dian models). These entries are your
verification for the regular maintenance
of your vehicle and are required for the
performance of warranty repairs.<
The BMW Maintenance System

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Technical modifications to the vehicleAny BMW center will be glad to inform
you of the advisability, legal require-
ments and factory recommendations
regarding technical modifications on
your vehicle. For this purpose, the
BMW center will require the Vehicle
Identification Number and, in some
cases, also the engine number.
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and dis-
plays in your vehicle. These LEDs re-
semble conventional lasers and are
classified by law as "Class 1 light-emit-
ting diodes."
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours). To do so could result in
inflammation of the iris.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
OBD interface socket The OBD interface socket for onboard
diagnostics is located on the driver's
side at the left-hand bottom of the in-
strument panel and under a cover. The
cover has the letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
assure proper emission control system
operation for the vehicle's lifetime by
monitoring emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and
malfunction.460us250
An illuminated indicator informs you of
the need for service, not that you need
to stop the vehicle. Your system should
be checked, however, at the earliest
possible opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact your near-
est BMW center immediately. Severe
engine misfire over even a short period
of time can seriously damage emission
control components, especially the cat-
alytic converter.
If the fuel filler cap is not on tight
enough, the OBD system can detect
leaking vapor and the indicator will light
up. If the fuel filler cap is then tightened,
the indicator will usually go out after a
short period of time.